3 Quotes by Pericles Explained

Pericles was known not just for being an excellent philosopher and politician, but also for being an astounding orator. It is necessary to remember that there are a multitude of interpretations for every quote, the following interpretations, however, are how I have chosen to take the phrase. Here are some of his most profound surviving quotes:

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

This quote demonstrates a crucial facet of Pericles morality and also his humbleness. He is not in it for the glory–life, itself, is not about the fame and glory. He acts with a desire to impact and better the lives of those around him. This nonetheless contributes to his dedication to the humanities and social causes in everyday life of Ancient Greece. It also demonstrates his selflessness and the fact that he did all he did not for his benefit, but for the benefit of the country he loved: Athens.

“Having knowing but lacking the power to express it is no better than never having any ideas at all.”

This quote speaks so profoundly of the need not just to think critically and powerfully, but to build yourself a platform to express those thoughts and the knowledge you’ve acquired. Actions are, in many ways, physical manifestations of knowledge. Intent and knowledge fuels actions and not just thought alone has the power to change things, but instead can be the fuel and premise behind a movement which can change things.

“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”

This quote is so profound because it hits on the fact that every person and everybody is susceptible to politics and living in a political system whether they choose to acknowledge that or not. Every action, even if not the intent, is political. Every oration, book, poem, play, or piece of art is political as they exist within a Polito-centric society, and thus play a part in the political dynamic.